I really need help!

[TMax]

Okay, here's what's happened. For some reason, I had no brake lights at all I discovered last night. I went to the main fuse block in the engine compartment next to the driver's side battery and checked for bad fuses. They all seemed good! So then I got back in the truck and turned it on... still no brake lights. Fooled around with the trailer brake controller and the parking brake... still nada. Then I started the truck to move it and then I have the dash lights for brakes and ABS BOTH on SOLID! They were not on before. Then I got up this am to go to work and not only do I have all the previous things wrong but I also have no speedometer! WTH? Anyone?#@$%!

Thanks in advance.

 

[Crunch]

Sounds like a short. If you don't currently have a trailer hitched up the first thing I'd do is completely disconnect the brake controller where it connects to the harness plug under the dash and see if that corrects the problem. If it does, then you know your brake controller is the problem. If it doesn't correct the problem, check for codes. I think Autozone will still do a free code check and tell you what the code means, should there one stored.

 

[TMax]

Crunch, thanks for the response. The dealer called and is telling me I have a bad ABS sensor which he wants $441 to replace without the promise that that could solve all my problems. Does anyone know how much it should cost to replace this sensor? The dealer said the part is $120 and the rest is the labor to install and to "calibrate"? Does that sound right? The dealer doesnt have the part so I am going to pick the truck up tonight and then take it back if I decide to have them replace it. They are charging me $110 just to look at it. I will try to get the trailer brake disconnected tonight to see if that's the issue. Thanks. I did have a code on the Smarty. P0121 Anyone know what that is?

 

[Crunch]

Crunch, thanks for the response. The dealer called and is telling me I have a bad ABS sensor which he wants $441 to replace without the promise that that could solve all my problems. Does anyone know how much it should cost to replace this sensor? The dealer said the part is $120 and the rest is the labor to install and to "calibrate"? Does that sound right? The dealer doesnt have the part so I am going to pick the truck up tonight and then take it back if I decide to have them replace it. They are charging me $110 just to look at it.

Last year I had to replace the Accelerator Pedal Position Sensor. The dealer charged me close to $800, and I believe it also had to be calibrated so I don't doubt the cost. They never showed me a specific code, but the check engine light was on and they also charged me a diagnostic fee of $90. If you take it in, make them diagnose it first and *then* worry about the right fix when they report back. I've never had a dealer give me a phone diagnosis without looking at the vehicle first. That sounds fishy right there, especially with a computerized robo-vehicle.

I will try to get the trailer brake disconnected tonight to see if that's the issue. Thanks. I did have a code on the Smarty. P0121 Anyone know what that is?

Can't help you on the P-code, but you definitely need to disconnect the brake controller from the wiring harness. You could save $551 for starters, and if the dealer is going to be messing with your brake system I bet the controller will have to be disconnected anyway for them to to a proper diagnostic. But hey, you only need brakes to stop...

 

[steved]

The front ABS sensor costs $97 each (one at each wheel), and take about 20 minutes to change. The last rear sensor I bought (for a 99) cost $45 (only one in the rear differential).

While the ABS sensor should solve your dash ABS/Brake light issue, it should have no effect on your rear facing brake lights.

 

[p-Bar]

If your speedo isn't working that will be the cause of the ABS light on . The sensor is at the top in the rear differential. You may want to check the connection and possibly pull it and wipe off the shavings. Do this first don't let the de***** do it they just keep replacing till it works that's not troubleshooting in my book.

P0121 Accelerator Position Sensor (APPS) Signal Voltage Too Low.
Try pulling the battery cables for a "cold boot" wait about 15 minutes

 

[JJPage]

I have not done this myself, I was told you could un-bolt and pull the rear ABS sensor from the top of the rear diff. It is a short rod that can be cleaned and re-installed.



I would certainly try this before I allowed the dealer to touch it.

 

[TMax]

Okay, it is the ABS module which the dealer says controls the speedo and the brake lights. They ran a test on it to check the voltage in and out of it and got nada. They checked the ground and it was good. They charged me the fee for the inspection $110 and then the fee to get the part here from LA $112. I hate that I can't trust the dealers. My family used to deal in Dodge Trucks and were straight shooters... always. Now, you never know if they are just rying to make up overhead on you.

 

[TMax]

I will try the rear sensor trick first before I take it back in to them. I will pull the sensor, clean it, reinstall it, and then pull the battery cables to cold boot the truck. After that, maybe my lights will work anf my speedo too.

 

[p-Bar]

Good luck and keep us posted

 

[mwilson]

Hey, there was a recall on ABS modules for some '06 trucks. I had to take mine in not too long after I bought it and they changed it. Bolts to the ABS block right behind the driver's side battery.

See if you find anything on the Dodge Site with your VIN number. Maybe your truck was never done if it was in the range of the recall. Might be something to check out.

 

[steved]

... and then the fee to get the part here from LA $112.

Hmmm, first I've heard of that... typically it costs nothing to have them get the parts in?? Even special order parts from the parts counter... I've never been charged shipping from the Dodge dealer. Wonder if this is something new?

 

[mwilson]

I meant to mention the reasoning behind my mention of the recall. Was half asleep when I posted last night.



Even if the recall was done on your truck once, it would still be possible to arm twist them a little for some help. I would sure do a little digging.

 

[mwilson]

I don't pay shipping either on items ordered by my dealer from the Mansfield, Mass PDC. That is the PDC responsible for Northeast items.

Only time that I have had to pay shipping was on special order, no stock at the PDC items. Even then was very reasonable.



I wonder if they got the module from another dealer rather than from a PDC.



That would explain the high cost if it was Next Day Air from that dealer but then my question would be "Why doesn't the PDC have any in stock??"



At my dealership we will try to get Daimler to pay the freight if no parts are available at any PDC in the country, the vehicle is not safe to drive without that part, and we have to source from another dealer.



You might get some help if you start asking questions..... Oo.

 

[TMax]

Well, I pulled the ABS sensor (I think it was the sensor... on top of the rear diff. . kinda looks like the crank sensor up by the flywheel) and cleaned it off. Then I disconnected the batteries for 20 minutes. Disconnected the Prodigy Brake Controller as well just for S&G's but it was all to no avail. Maybe my ABS module is bad? By the way... I guess I termed it wrong in my last post... the dealer made me pay for the part before he'd get it shipped over from LA this morning. They did not charge me shipping. Just to clarify. Sorry for the confusion. Anyway, looks like I need to check the Dodge site for a recall on that ABS unit. Thanks to eveyone who has responded... you guys are awesome! I will update and let you know if that module is the issue.

 

[TMax]

Looks like there was a short in the wiring that blew up my ABS module. The service writer said that it was age... ? I reminded him that the truck is only 4 years old and that for my wiring to become "old and worn" in 4 years is completely unacceptable. He just shrugged his shoulders and told me they "just" charged me the extra hour it took for them to find the bad wire and run a new one to the dead pin in the harness. I guess when it blew the ABS module... it took out all my brake light bulb filaments too. That's the reason for my not having brake lights. It is all very strange (the sequence of events) but I have the truck back and it "only" set me back $569.